Stephen Curry, known for his quickness and sharp shooting, now faces a challenge he’s never experienced before. The Golden State Warriors star suffered a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring. This is the first time he’s experiencing a strain in his career. Stephen Curry must embrace a new mindset: being patient. The injury has left him unsure of when he can return, and it’s forcing him to slow down.
Stephen Curry Is Learning How To Be Patient For The ‘First Time’
Curry called the situation a “gut punch” and admitted that this recovery feels completely unfamiliar. He must respect the healing process and avoid pushing his body too hard. “There has to be a healing process,” Curry said. “You can’t accelerate it more than what it’s telling you.” This is particularly tough, as the team has arguably never been so dependent on his scoring and shooting. The Warriors are averaging just 102.2 points per game, which ranks fifth-worst in the playoffs. The four teams below them have won a combined total of just two games.
Understanding the Risk
Curry knows soft tissue injuries can be deceptive. Hamstring strains, in particular, often feel better before they are fully healed. That makes them especially tricky. “They can fool you,” Curry said. “Even if you don’t feel anything, it doesn’t mean you’re healed.” That reality is that Stephen Curry being patient is more relevant than ever.
He remains sidelined through at least Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. The earliest possible return could come in Game 5, though Game 6 or 7 appears more realistic. In the meantime, Curry can’t even shoot stationary jumpers. He described the rehab process as “a lot.”
No Warning Signs
Before the injury, Curry felt great. It happened during a minor defensive pivot in Game 1. He stayed on the court for 29 more seconds before exiting. “I didn’t think it was anything serious,” he said. “But I could have done more damage if I stayed out there.”
Despite his absence, Curry found encouragement in the Warriors’ Game 1 win. That victory helped keep their championship hopes alive. “There’s a great vibe in our locker room,” Curry said. “Guys are stepping up. We still believe we can win the series.”
An Emotional Road
Curry, now 37, admits this time feels different. When he was younger, missing games didn’t carry the same emotional weight. But now, he understands the championship window is closing. When the Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler, Curry told Draymond Green, “This is it. It’s our last ride.”
He pushed through the last months of the season and fought hard in the first round. Then, just when things started clicking, this injury struck. “It was really emotional,” Curry said. That moment demanded an extra dose of patience, as the team can only wait and hope.
No Rush Back
Curry isn’t close to returning. He understands that hamstrings require a careful timeline. Any misstep could cause a setback. “There has to be a natural healing process,” he said. “The body will tell you when it’s ready.”
Although conversations about returning early may happen later, they aren’t happening now. Curry plans to listen to his body and avoid unnecessary risks. He’s in daily contact with Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ VP of player health and performance. Their shared goal is clear: get Curry back, safely and quickly—but only when the time is right.
A Different Kind of Recovery
This injury has reminded Curry how much uncertainty can exist in rehab. Had it been an ankle injury, he would have had a clearer timeline. But this is uncharted territory. “I have no clue when I’ll be back,” Curry said. “I just want to feel better every day.”
That’s why this moment marks a turning point. Stephen Curry being patient isn’t just about time; it’s about trust. Trust in his body. Trust in his team. And trust in the process.
As Curry continues to recover, his story becomes one of resilience. It’s not about scoring 30 points. It’s about learning how to wait, heal, and lead—even from the sidelines.
© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The post Stephen Curry Is Learning How To Be Patient For The ‘First Time’ appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.